Red Cross helps family after fire destroys AuSable Forks home

July 11, 2014

AuSABLE FORKS - The Red Cross has stepped in to help a family that lost its home to fire Wednesday, July 9 in the town of Black Brook.

The North Country Chapter of the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York says it's provided Vickie and Kevin Hart and their two children with food, clothing, shoes and personal items.

The Harts' home at 41 Coughlin Road, a couple of miles north of AuSable Forks, was destroyed by fire Wednesday. No one was home when the blaze started, according to a report in the Plattsburgh Press-Republican. A neighbor reported the fire around 11:30 a.m.

Howard Drake, acting chief of the AuSable Forks Volunteer Fire Department, told the Press-Republican that the house was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"Over the next few days, the Red Cross will work with these individuals to assist them in getting their lives back in order," the organization said in a press release.

The disaster assistance provided by the Red Cross is made possible through donations from the public. To donate, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.